Bold, powerful, tough—these words best describe pickup cars. While they look like they’re packed with so much angas, these cars are actually designed to be utilitarian and flexible.
With its roomy interiors, a pickup truck can double as a family car. If you’re a weekend warrior who loves going to the countryside, you can always count on this vehicle because of its off-road capabilities. You can easily carry your surfboards, bikes, or whatever sporting equipment you’ll need for your adventure. Moreover, you can turn your pickup into a member of your business’ logistics fleet as its cargo bed can most likely carry and accommodate the goods you’re selling.
Whatever your purpose is, you won’t go wrong with a versatile pickup truck. If you’re looking for a truck that effortlessly melds into your lifestyle, check out the best pickup cars in the Philippines this 2023.
10 Best Pickup Cars in the Philippines
Rugged, sexy, and powerful pickup cars can effortlessly combine aesthetics and performance. Check out this list of the best pickup cars in the Philippines if you're looking to buy your first car or planning an upgrade.
👉 Mitsubishi Strada
Price: ₱825,000 to ₱1.827 million
Key Specs of Mitsubishi Strada:
- Seating capacity: Two to five, depending on the trim
- Transmission type: Manual or automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 2,477 cc (2.5L)
- Performance: 134 hp and 324 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
The strong and striking façade of this pickup car easily embodies muscularity and toughness. The Strada looks expensive, but its base model is surprisingly the most affordable on this list.[1]
It’s the type of car that you can flex to your friends. But it also makes a good family vehicle, as its higher trim features a suite of safety and security features: airbags for the driver and the front passenger, side airbag, curtain airbag, knee airbag, immobilizer, cruise control, and parking sensors.
Integrating your smart devices into the Mitsubishi Strada shouldn’t be a problem because of its Bluetooth connectivity and USB and auxiliary input. Other creature comforts include leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Strada is also one of the most fuel-efficient pickups in the Philippines. This makes a good option if you're looking for big savings in the long run.
👉 Toyota Hilux
Price: ₱861,000 to ₱2.059 million
Key Specs of Toyota Hilux:
- Seating capacity: Two to five, depending on the trim
- Transmission type: Manual or Automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC, 2,393 cc (2.4L)
- Performance: 148 hp and 343 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
The Hilux is the only pickup car offered by Toyota in the Philippines. And just like some of its brothers, it went on to become a road icon not just in the Philippines but also all over the world.[2]
The newer iteration of the Hilux is a departure from its wholesome and homey look, as it now sports a tough and sporty persona. Its top-of-the-line trim complements its bold aesthetics, with raw power at 201 hp and 500 Nm.
And while the Hilux may look hardy and robust, its interiors offer a great deal of comfort, thanks to its soft seating and automatic climate control. Safety is a priority, as evidenced by the higher trim’s complete set of airbags, stability control, electronic door locks, and speed-sensing door locks.
👉 Isuzu D-Max
Price: ₱917,000 to ₱1.885 million
Key Specs of Isuzu D-Max:
- Seating capacity: Two to five, depending on the trim
- Transmission type: Manual or automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,898 cc (1.9L)
- Performance: 148 hp and 350 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
If you’re looking for an athletic car, the Isuzu D-Max may be the best pickup truck in the Philippines for you. The clean, streamlined curves easily turn this car into a head-turner in the city. Its bulkiness, on the other hand, effortlessly shows that it’s the perfect ride for your weekend adventures outside the metropolis.
Moreover, its interiors complement the exterior’s elegance. Its top-of-the-line variant, for instance, is outfitted with comfort-promoting features, such as leather seating and dual-zone automatic climate control. Its infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so smart device integration will definitely be seamless.
Expect an easy and smooth ride from its higher variant, as its machine can produce 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
👉 Maxus T60
Price: ₱998,000 to ₱1.328 million
Key Specs of Maxus T60:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or Automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 2,776 cc (2.8L)
- Performance: 148 hp and 360 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
Chinese automaker Maxus positions the T60 as a formidable contender in the country's pick-up truck market. One can easily consider the T60’s design elegant, owing to its clean curves and eye-catching grille. The interior is equally lavish, thanks to its black and silver color palette. If you want to make your Maxus T60 extra luxurious, you can opt for leather seating.
Don’t let the T60’s flashy looks fool you, as it can double as an all-around workhorse. It churns out a decent power output of 148 hp and 360 Nm. Its robust suspension system is designed to accommodate heavy loads. The same mechanism also makes the T60 one of the pickup cars in the Philippines that are ideal for rough roads.
The T60’s higher trims are loaded with great features. You’ll find a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Driving and parking are made extra safe with its cruise control and rear parking sensors.
👉 Nissan Navara
Price: ₱1.071 million to ₱1.811 million
Key Specs of Nissan Navara:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC, 2,488 cc (2.5L)
- Performance: 163 hp and 403 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
The Nissan Navara has dropped its SUV façade and is now donning a tougher-looking face. But its upgrade isn’t only seen on its exterior. Its performance and power are pretty strong, too, with its base model churning out 163 horsepower and 403 Nm of torque.
Navara’s interiors are the welcome antithesis to the exterior. It’s one of the most comfortable pickup trucks in the Philippines, as it’s designed with comfortable features, such as elegant leather seats, electric adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
It also has a slew of safety features, such as airbags for the driver and the passenger, stability control, electronic door locks, speed-sensing door locks, and front and rear sensors.
Furthermore, higher trims come with the Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM) system that gives drivers a view of the surrounding road or terrain. [3] With these safety mechanisms, there’s no doubt that the Navara can easily work as a family vehicle.
👉 SsangYong Musso
Price: ₱1.180 million to ₱1.650 million
Key Specs of SsangYong Musso:
- Seating capacity: Manual or Automatic
- Transmission type: Automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 2,157 cc (2.2L)
- Performance: 179 hp and 400 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
SsangYong, a Korean carmaker, enters the industry of pickup cars in the Philippines with the Musso. Its fascia is reminiscent of crossovers and SUVs, but its pickup body is a dead giveaway that it’s designed for more work and demanding roads. The luxurious feel of this pickup car should come as no surprise, as it’s the brainchild of SsangYong and Daimler-Benz.
The Grand, the Musso’s higher trim, features a bigger bed and load capacity. This makes a good option for those with a delivery business. The same model is a four-wheel drive, thus possessing off-road capabilities. And with a maximum power of 179 hp and a maximum torque of 420, it can take on rough roads with ease and confidence.
In the safety department, Musso’s top-of-the-line models are outfitted with airbags for the driver and the front passenger, side airbags, curtain airbags, electronic brake distribution, electronic door locks, and speed-sensing door locks, among others. Creature comforts include leather upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and an eight-inch LCD smart audio and video system. For connectivity, you can integrate your smartphone into your car with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
👉 Ford Ranger
Price: ₱1,198 million to ₱1.885 million
Key Specs of Ford Ranger:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 1,996 cc (2.0L)
- Performance: 167 hp and 405 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
Ford has a solid reputation for producing high-quality pickup cars, which include the Ranger. As the name suggests, it’s designed with the adventurers in mind.
While the Ranger’s performance credentials don’t sound impressive on paper, the power and torque output of its engine can be felt once you’re on the road. For instance, its base model can churn out 167 horsepower and 405 of torque―what more when you have the higher trim?
The Wildtrak, the Ranger’s higher variant, boasts the following: cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, a push start button, and a complete set of airbags, among other things. For connectivity, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
👉 Mazda BT-50
Price: ₱1.390 million to ₱1.858 million
Key Specs of Mazda BT-50:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Manual or automatic
- Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 2,999 cc (3.0L)
- Performance: 187 hp and 450 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
Whoever says that pickup cars cannot be luxurious might have not seen the Mazda BT-50 yet. Considering the norm of pickups, this car is quite peculiar as it doesn’t look too tough or muscular. Instead, it has the appeal of an expensive SUV.
Its performance doesn’t disappoint. Its diesel engine won’t give you a problem when you’re reaching higher speeds, thus making it a good choice of ride for highway driving. The interiors of its premium variant are all about comfort and elegance as seen in its leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning, and electric adjustable seats.
When it comes to safety, the BT-50 has airbags for the driver and the passenger, electronic door locks, speed-sensing door locks, and parking sensors.
👉 Ford F-150
Price: ₱3.398 million
Key Specs of Ford F-150:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Automatic
- Engine: 6-cylinder, 24-valve, 2,998 cc (3.0L)
- Performance: 249 hp and 596 Nm
- Fuel type: Diesel
The F-150 may be the best pickup truck in the Philippines if you’re looking for an impeccable embodiment of luxury and power. Its square face and imposing body all scream exclusivity; others may even do a double take when you’re cruising with this pickup car down the highway.
With a power output of 249 hp and 596 Nm, the F-150 is easily a robust full-size pick-up. While it’s built with the same platform as the Ford Expedition, it has a suspension system that can effortlessly weather long drives and tough terrains. Another feature that makes that possible is its four-wheel drivetrain.
The F-150 is indeed a mammoth. It can carry over 1,000 kilos of load. Meanwhile, its cargo bed’s maximum volume is 1,500 liters.
This pickup car is loaded with features that make every ride safe and secure. It has cruise control, electronic door locks, speed-sensing door locks, airbags for the driver and the front passenger, side airbags, and curtain airbags, among others. For comfort, the car is outfitted with leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic temperature control.
Read more: Getting a New Ride? Here’s Your Guide to Different Types of Vehicles in the Philippines
👉 RAM 1500
Price: ₱4.8 million
Key Specs of RAM 1500:
- Seating capacity: Five
- Transmission type: Automatic
- Engine: 8-cylinder, 32-valve, 5,654 cc (5.7L)
- Performance: 395 hp and 555 Nm
- Fuel type: Gasoline
The most expensive pickup car on the list, the RAM 1500 is a massive unit that commands presence on the road. This American auto may be tough-looking on the outside but is actually luxurious on the inside.
Its interiors boast leather upholstery and advanced creature comforts, such as automatic dual-zone climate control and a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen display complemented with nine speakers. Pairing the car with your smartphone should be easy with its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features.
Start your journey easily with its push start button. With a power output of 395 hp and a torque of 555 Nm, accelerating and cruising should be quick and effortless. And because the RAM 1500 is an all-wheel drive, it’s always ready for challenging terrains and less-than-ideal road conditions.
When it comes to safety and security, the RAM 1500 has airbags for the driver and the passenger, side airbags, curtain airbags, an immobilizer, electronic door locks, speed-sensing door locks, stability control, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
Final Thoughts
Truth be told, the well-roundedness of pickup cars is often preceded by their angas or macho appeal. With that, it’s always wise to look beyond this impression if you truly want to own a car that isn’t just tough but also versatile, practical, and family-friendly. You can use your pickup to ferry your kids to school, collect your store goods, or carry your bikes and surfboards for a weekend adventure.
Looking for a viable option for funding your new pickup truck purchase? Consider getting a personal loan with low interest rates, high loan amounts, and flexible payment terms. Check out these loans from reputable providers in the Philippines.
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